The Sri Lankan Supreme Court determined on Tuesday (Nov 14) that a group including former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa violated people's fundamental rights by mismanaging the economy between 2019 and 2022. According to a report by News 1st, Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, Vijith Malalgoda and Murdhu Fernando delivered the majority decision in the matter while Justice Priyantha Jayawardena.&nbsp;

The petition in the case was filed by Professor Mahim Mendis of the Open University of Sri Lanka, former chairperson of Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chandra Jayaratne, Transparency International Sri Lanka, Julian Bowling and Jehan Kanakaratne.&nbsp;

The petition said that a tax relief of around $2 billion for businessmen when Gotabaya Rajapaksa served as president was the main reason for the economic crisis, the report said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sri-lankas-ambitious-2024-budget-targets-higher-revenues-and-a-controlled-deficit-658291">Sri Lanka's ambitious 2024 budget targets higher revenues and a controlled deficit</a>

The petitioners also highlighted economic mismanagement issues, including the pegging of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar, a delay in securing assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the repayment of $500 million sovereign bonds during a forex crisis.

The apex court ordered for the petitioners to be paid $459 each, the report added.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan economy collapsed as it shrank 7.8% in 2022, pummelled by long power cuts, soaring inflation, a plunging rupee and record high interest rates caused by the worst financial crisis in more than 70 years.

Last year, violent demonstrations were held across the country for months following which Gotabaya stepped down from the president's post. The anti-government protesters were angry over power outages, shortages of basic goods and rising prices and demanded that Gotabaya should resign.

Citing analysts, a report by the news agency Reuters last year said that economic management by successive governments weakened Sri Lanka's public finances, leaving the national expenditure over income and the production of tradable goods and services at inadequate levels.

Despite the worsening economic situation, the government initially held off talks with the IMF. However, it eventually opened talks with the global lender.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Sri Lankan Supreme Court determined on Tuesday (Nov 14) that a group including former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa violated people's fundamental rights by mismanaging the economy between 2019 and 2022.

The Sri Lankan Supreme Court determined on Tuesday (Nov 14) that a group including former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa violated people's fundamental rights by mismanaging the economy between 2019 and 2022. According to a report by News 1st, Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, Vijith Malalgoda and Murdhu Fernando delivered the majority decision in the matter while Justice Priyantha Jayawardena. The petition in the case was filed by Professor Mahim Mendis of the Open University of Sri Lanka, former chairperson of Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chandra Jayaratne, Transparency International Sri Lanka, Julian Bowling and Jehan Kanakaratne. The petition said that a tax relief of around $2 billion for businessmen when Gotabaya Rajapaksa served as president was the main reason for the economic crisis, the report said. Also read: Sri Lanka's ambitious 2024 budget targets higher revenues and a controlled deficit The petitioners also highlighted economic mismanagement issues, including the pegging of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar, a delay in securing assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the repayment of $500 million sovereign bonds during a forex crisis. The apex court ordered for the petitioners to be paid $459 each, the report added. The Sri Lankan economy collapsed as it shrank 7.8% in 2022, pummelled by long power cuts, soaring inflation, a plunging rupee and record high interest rates caused by the worst financial crisis in more than 70 years. Last year, violent demonstrations were held across the country for months following which Gotabaya stepped down from the president's post. The anti-government protesters were angry over power outages, shortages of basic goods and rising prices and demanded that Gotabaya should resign. Citing analysts, a report by the news agency Reuters last year said that economic management by successive governments weakened Sri Lanka's public finances, leaving the national expenditure over income and the production of tradable goods and services at inadequate levels. Despite the worsening economic situation, the government initially held off talks with the IMF. However, it eventually opened talks with the global lender. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka: SC holds ex-prez Gotabaya, ex-PM Mahinda responsible for economic crisis in nation

“Don’t think it is the right time for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to return,” Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said, adding that his return to the country may stoke political tensions, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported.

“Don't believe it's the time for him to return," Wickremesinghe said in an interview with the WSJ, adding, "I have no indication of him returning soon."

The New York City-based newspaper further reported that Wickremesinghe has remained in contact with Rajapaksa to deal with administrative handover issues and other government business.

Gotabaya escaped from the crisis-hit nation on July 13 after his official residence was stormed by thousands of protesters who had demonstrated for months against the island nation’s painful economic crisis. Days later, Wickremesinghe was elected by the parliament after securing a comfortable majority.

According to reports, Gotabaya first fled to the Maldives and from there, he went to Singapore. Reports suggest that he has been staying on a short-term visit pass since July 14, though he has not been provided, nor guaranteed asylum.

The&nbsp;Straits Times newspaper reported that Rajapaksa’s 14-day visit pass was extended, allowing him to stay until August 11.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is currently seeking a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the World Bank refused to offer fresh funding without "deep structural reforms."

On Friday, the finance ministry said that Sri Lanka had resumed bailout discussions with IMF after the new government took office, describing the talks as “highly successful”.

Sri Lanka is bankrupt, and its economy is in tatters. The latest figures released on Friday showed year-on-year inflation&nbsp;in July hitting&nbsp;a record 60.8 per cent. The country has $12 billion overseas debt with private creditors.

(With inputs from agencies)

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“Don’t think it is the right time for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to return,” Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said, adding that his return to the country may stoke political tensions, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported.

“Don’t think it is the right time for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to return,” Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said, adding that his return to the country may stoke political tensions, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported. “Don't believe it's the time for him to return," Wickremesinghe said in an interview with the WSJ, adding, "I have no indication of him returning soon." The New York City-based newspaper further reported that Wickremesinghe has remained in contact with Rajapaksa to deal with administrative handover issues and other government business. Gotabaya escaped from the crisis-hit nation on July 13 after his official residence was stormed by thousands of protesters who had demonstrated for months against the island nation’s painful economic crisis. Days later, Wickremesinghe was elected by the parliament after securing a comfortable majority. According to reports, Gotabaya first fled to the Maldives and from there, he went to Singapore. Reports suggest that he has been staying on a short-term visit pass since July 14, though he has not been provided, nor guaranteed asylum. The Straits Times newspaper reported that Rajapaksa’s 14-day visit pass was extended, allowing him to stay until August 11. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is currently seeking a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the World Bank refused to offer fresh funding without "deep structural reforms." On Friday, the finance ministry said that Sri Lanka had resumed bailout discussions with IMF after the new government took office, describing the talks as “highly successful”. Sri Lanka is bankrupt, and its economy is in tatters. The latest figures released on Friday showed year-on-year inflation in July hitting a record 60.8 per cent. The country has $12 billion overseas debt with private creditors. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Don’t think Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be returning soon', says Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe

The six-time former prime minister and veteran leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the eighth President of Sri Lanka on Thursday amid mass protests seeking his ouster.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya administered the oath of office to the 73-year-old politician at the Parliament complex in Colombo.

Wickremesinghe was elected by the Parliament on Wednesday, where he secured 134 votes in the 225-member House while his nearest rival and dissident ruling party leader Dullas Alahapperuma got 82.

Leftist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake managed to get only three votes during the voting held in Parliament amidst tight security.

However, the anti-government protesters are not happy with Wickremesinghe’s elevation as he is seen as close to former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Moreover, when he was the interim president after Gotabaya fled, Wickremesinghe gave sweeping powers to the police and armed forces to crackdown on agitators, who had been targeting legislators for the economic woes.

After being elected as the President, Wickremesinghe visited the Gangarama Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, on Wednesday.

Refuting allegations that he is close to the Rajapaksas, Wickremesinghe said: “I am not a friend of the Rajapaksas, I am a friend of the people.”

When asked how he will be different from the Rajapaksas as he is an old friend of theirs, he replied, "How am I an old friend of the Rajapaksas? I've been opposing them all this time."

He also said he would ring in the change the people want, and stressed that he is a friend of the people.

The president also vowed to take strict action against the protesters who forcibly occupied the President's Office, and the Prime Minister's Office during the agitation, reports PTI news agency.&nbsp;Protesters had burnt down Wickremesinghe's private home.

"The Aragalaya was against the system. We must allow those who engage in peaceful dissent to do so. We can also respond to them," he said. Aragalaya is the Sinhalese word for "struggle".

(With inputs from agencies)

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The six-time former prime minister and veteran leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the eighth President of Sri Lanka on Thursday amid mass protests seeking his ouster.

The six-time former prime minister and veteran leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the eighth President of Sri Lanka on Thursday amid mass protests seeking his ouster. Supreme Court Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya administered the oath of office to the 73-year-old politician at the Parliament complex in Colombo. Wickremesinghe was elected by the Parliament on Wednesday, where he secured 134 votes in the 225-member House while his nearest rival and dissident ruling party leader Dullas Alahapperuma got 82. Leftist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake managed to get only three votes during the voting held in Parliament amidst tight security. However, the anti-government protesters are not happy with Wickremesinghe’s elevation as he is seen as close to former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Moreover, when he was the interim president after Gotabaya fled, Wickremesinghe gave sweeping powers to the police and armed forces to crackdown on agitators, who had been targeting legislators for the economic woes. After being elected as the President, Wickremesinghe visited the Gangarama Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, on Wednesday. Refuting allegations that he is close to the Rajapaksas, Wickremesinghe said: “I am not a friend of the Rajapaksas, I am a friend of the people.” When asked how he will be different from the Rajapaksas as he is an old friend of theirs, he replied, "How am I an old friend of the Rajapaksas? I've been opposing them all this time." He also said he would ring in the change the people want, and stressed that he is a friend of the people. The president also vowed to take strict action against the protesters who forcibly occupied the President's Office, and the Prime Minister's Office during the agitation, reports PTI news agency. Protesters had burnt down Wickremesinghe's private home. "The Aragalaya was against the system. We must allow those who engage in peaceful dissent to do so. We can also respond to them," he said. Aragalaya is the Sinhalese word for "struggle". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as 8th President of Sri Lanka, vows crackdown on ‘illegal’ protests

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe won the presidential elections conducted by the Parliament on Thursday after Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled abroad amidst intense agitation over the economic crisis.

He will serve the remaining tenure of Gotabaya Rajapaksa till November 2024.

Wickremesinghe received the highest 134 votes and was declared the 8th executive president of Sri Lanka. His rivals Dullas Alahaperuma and Anurakumara Dossanayake got 82 and 3 votes, respectively.

A total of 223 votes were registered in the parliament, two abstained, whereas four were declared invalid. The votes were held through a secret ballot.

&nbsp;"Our divisions are now over," the 73-year-old said in an acceptance speech to parliament after legislators elected him head of state.

He said he hoped to be sworn in later Wednesday at a simple ceremony within the tightly guarded parliament building.

At the start of the session, Secretary-General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake instructed lawmakers on the voting process and warned them that taking photos of their ballot or publicising their vote would be a breach of the constitution.

Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside the Presidential Secretariat after Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected as the Sri Lankan President.

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Protesters gather outside the Presidential Secretariat after Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> President <a href="https://t.co/3vI5v8MA28">pic.twitter.com/3vI5v8MA28</a>
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Wickramasinghe, who is despised by the protesters, has vowed to crack down hard if protesters take to the streets.&nbsp;As the interim&nbsp;president, Wickremesinghe imposed a state of emergency giving police and security forces unbridled powers&nbsp;and ordered troops last week to evict protesters from state buildings they had occupied.

Ahead of the polls,&nbsp;Opposition MP Dharmalingam Sithadthan said that the Parliament legislators were impressed by Wickremesinghe's hardline stance against the agitators who had been attacking MPs. He described&nbsp;him as the "law-and-order candidate".

The presidential elections saw a three-way fight between acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe, former journalist Dallas Alahapperuma, and Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, from the leftist Janatha Vimukti Peramuna party.

This is for the first time that the parliament was holding elections for electing a new president.

Presidential elections in 1982, 1988, 1994, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2019 were held by popular vote.

The only previous occasion when the presidency became vacant mid-term was in 1993 when president Ranasinghe Premadasa was assassinated. DB Wijetunga was unanimously endorsed by Parliament to run the balance of Premadasa's term.

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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe won the presidential elections conducted by the Parliament on Thursday after Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled abroad amidst intense agitation over the economic crisis.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe won the presidential elections conducted by the Parliament on Thursday after Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled abroad amidst intense agitation over the economic crisis. He will serve the remaining tenure of Gotabaya Rajapaksa till November 2024. Wickremesinghe received the highest 134 votes and was declared the 8th executive president of Sri Lanka. His rivals Dullas Alahaperuma and Anurakumara Dossanayake got 82 and 3 votes, respectively. A total of 223 votes were registered in the parliament, two abstained, whereas four were declared invalid. The votes were held through a secret ballot. "Our divisions are now over," the 73-year-old said in an acceptance speech to parliament after legislators elected him head of state. He said he hoped to be sworn in later Wednesday at a simple ceremony within the tightly guarded parliament building. At the start of the session, Secretary-General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake instructed lawmakers on the voting process and warned them that taking photos of their ballot or publicising their vote would be a breach of the constitution. Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside the Presidential Secretariat after Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected as the Sri Lankan President. Protesters gather outside the Presidential Secretariat after Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected as #SriLanka President pic.twitter.com/3vI5v8MA28 — WION (@WIONews) July 20, 2022 × Wickramasinghe, who is despised by the protesters, has vowed to crack down hard if protesters take to the streets. As the interim president, Wickremesinghe imposed a state of emergency giving police and security forces unbridled powers and ordered troops last week to evict protesters from state buildings they had occupied. Ahead of the polls, Opposition MP Dharmalingam Sithadthan said that the Parliament legislators were impressed by Wickremesinghe's hardline stance against the agitators who had been attacking MPs. He described him as the "law-and-order candidate". The presidential elections saw a three-way fight between acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe, former journalist Dallas Alahapperuma, and Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, from the leftist Janatha Vimukti Peramuna party. This is for the first time that the parliament was holding elections for electing a new president. Presidential elections in 1982, 1988, 1994, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2019 were held by popular vote. The only previous occasion when the presidency became vacant mid-term was in 1993 when president Ranasinghe Premadasa was assassinated. DB Wijetunga was unanimously endorsed by Parliament to run the balance of Premadasa's term. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ranil Wickremesinghe declared Sri Lanka’s new president  

Amid the political turmoil sweeping the country, Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa revoked the state of emergency in the country.

The Lankan president lost his parliamentary majority after allies walked out of the government amid large scale anti-government protests in the country.

On Tuesday, Sri Lanka's newly-appointed finance minister Ali Sabry quit after just one day in office as the opposition rejected the president's request for a unity government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-medical-body-declares-health-emergency-amid-political-turmoil-report-468449">Also Read:&nbsp;Sri Lankan medical body declares health emergency</a>

The island nation has witnessed an economic downturn ever since the pandemic hit the country over two years ago with its foreign reserves at an all-time low. In recent months, the country has struggled with fuel crisis and rising inflation including long power cuts.

Last week protesters tried to storm the president's house in Colombo as President Rajapaksa sought to impose a state of emergency in the country. The president's cabinet submitted their resignation en masse leading to further instability.

Watch:&nbsp;How can Sri Lanka escape this mess?

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Amid the political turmoil, 41 lawmakers left Rajapaka's coalition government reducing it to a minority. The medical body in the country had declared a state of health emergency on Tuesday due to a shortage of medicines and life-saving drugs.&nbsp;

The protesters have been demanding Rajapaksa's resignation amid the economic crisis even as authorities have moved to clamp down on demonstrators and reportedly arrested over 60 people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/please-try-and-save-our-motherland-sri-lanka-opposition-leader-to-indian-pm-modi-468261">Also Read:&nbsp;'Please try and save our motherland': Sri Lanka opposition leader to Indian PM Modi</a>

There were protests outside the prime ministers' house on Tuesday as students chanted anti-government slogans. There have been street demonstrations against food and fuel shortages as the country has struggled to service its foreign debts.

The International Monetary Fund had said it was monitoring&nbsp;the situation closely amid&nbsp;reports of a bailout, however, there has been no confirmation on it.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid the political turmoil sweeping the country, Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa revoked the state of emergency in the country. The Lankan president lost his parliamentary majority after allies walked out of the government amid large scale anti-government protests in the country.

Amid the political turmoil sweeping the country, Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa revoked the state of emergency in the country. The Lankan president lost his parliamentary majority after allies walked out of the government amid large scale anti-government protests in the country. On Tuesday, Sri Lanka's newly-appointed finance minister Ali Sabry quit after just one day in office as the opposition rejected the president's request for a unity government. Also Read: Sri Lankan medical body declares health emergency The island nation has witnessed an economic downturn ever since the pandemic hit the country over two years ago with its foreign reserves at an all-time low. In recent months, the country has struggled with fuel crisis and rising inflation including long power cuts. Last week protesters tried to storm the president's house in Colombo as President Rajapaksa sought to impose a state of emergency in the country. The president's cabinet submitted their resignation en masse leading to further instability. Watch: How can Sri Lanka escape this mess? Amid the political turmoil, 41 lawmakers left Rajapaka's coalition government reducing it to a minority. The medical body in the country had declared a state of health emergency on Tuesday due to a shortage of medicines and life-saving drugs. The protesters have been demanding Rajapaksa's resignation amid the economic crisis even as authorities have moved to clamp down on demonstrators and reportedly arrested over 60 people. Also Read: 'Please try and save our motherland': Sri Lanka opposition leader to Indian PM Modi There were protests outside the prime ministers' house on Tuesday as students chanted anti-government slogans. There have been street demonstrations against food and fuel shortages as the country has struggled to service its foreign debts. The International Monetary Fund had said it was monitoring the situation closely amid reports of a bailout, however, there has been no confirmation on it. (With inputs from Agencies)

Sri Lanka President Rajapaksa revokes emergency order amid economic crisis

Sri Lanka's newly elected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-arrives-in-india-265098">President Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a> met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar today as the two countries look to further bilateral relations.

Before leaving for India, Gotabaya had said he is&nbsp;looking to strengthen ties with India as New Delhi seeks to reach out to the new leader.

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Thank you for your warm welcome India 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/SyVzdUIyal">pic.twitter.com/SyVzdUIyal</a>
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR/status/1200084460676378624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Gotabaya will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House later in the day. Gotabaya had arrived on Thursday evening on his maiden foreign trip after becoming the island nation's president earlier this month.

Last week, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar had made an unscheduled visit to the island country to physically hand over PM Modi's invite to Gotabaya to visit India. During the meet, India also called on the new leadership to continue the process of national reconciliation with regards to the minority Tamils.&nbsp;

The MEA had said that the Indian government is ready to work closely with the new government in Sri Lanka and expressed hope that it will fulfil the aspirations of the Tamil community living in the island nation.

"India is ready to closely work with the newly formed government in Sri Lanka and deepening our age-old relationship with the country. Our relationship with Sri Lanka or any other country is not dependent on a third country. It is entirely independent of any other factor," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said in a weekly briefing.

70-year-old Rajapaksa had defeated United National Party (UNP) candidate Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently-concluded presidential elections in Sri Lanka. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president.

His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is currently the island nation's prime minister, had served as president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar today as the two countries look to further bilateral relations.

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar today as the two countries look to further bilateral relations. Before leaving for India, Gotabaya had said he is looking to strengthen ties with India as New Delhi seeks to reach out to the new leader. Thank you for your warm welcome India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/SyVzdUIyal — Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) November 28, 2019 × Gotabaya will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House later in the day. Gotabaya had arrived on Thursday evening on his maiden foreign trip after becoming the island nation's president earlier this month. Last week, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar had made an unscheduled visit to the island country to physically hand over PM Modi's invite to Gotabaya to visit India. During the meet, India also called on the new leadership to continue the process of national reconciliation with regards to the minority Tamils. The MEA had said that the Indian government is ready to work closely with the new government in Sri Lanka and expressed hope that it will fulfil the aspirations of the Tamil community living in the island nation. "India is ready to closely work with the newly formed government in Sri Lanka and deepening our age-old relationship with the country. Our relationship with Sri Lanka or any other country is not dependent on a third country. It is entirely independent of any other factor," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said in a weekly briefing. 70-year-old Rajapaksa had defeated United National Party (UNP) candidate Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently-concluded presidential elections in Sri Lanka. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is currently the island nation's prime minister, had served as president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa meets external affairs minister S Jaishankar

Corruption charges against&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lankan president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-names-brother-mahinda-as-sri-lanka-pm-spokesperson-263441">Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a> were dropped Thursday by a court, which handed his passport back as he acquired immunity from prosecution after being elected last weekend.

Under&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's constitution, no court proceedings can be maintained against a serving president. However, action could be taken after he leaves office.

The High Court had indicted Rajapaksa in September last year on charges of siphoning off 33 million rupees (around $185,000) in state funds to build a memorial for his parents.

The court also released his passport which had been impounded, allowing him to make his first overseas trip as president to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankas-newly-elected-president-accepts-pm-modis-invitation-to-visit-india-on-november-29-263217">India next week</a> at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rajapaksa was being tried before a special court established by the former government to expedite high-profile corruption cases. Rajapaksa, 70, had pleaded not guilty.

Six others were also charged along with Rajapaksa and their fate will be decided when the case is taken up for a hearing on January 9, the court said.

Official sources said Rajapaksa was also entitled to claim foreign sovereign immunity in respect to two civil cases filed against him in California for allegedly causing the death of a senior newspaper editor and torture.

He has denied responsibility for the killing of anti-establishment editor Lasantha Wickrematunge in 2009 and torturing suspects when he headed the defence ministry under brother Mahinda's presidency between 2005 and 2015.

Wickrematunge was murdered days before he was due to testify in a defamation case brought by Gotabaya Rajapaksa after his paper accused him of corruption in a deal to buy MiG jets from Ukraine.

Rajapaksa was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-sworn-in-as-sri-lankan-new-president-262851">elected president</a> on Saturday and was due later Thursday to swear in his brother Mahinda as prime minister.

Corruption charges against Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa were dropped Thursday by a court, which handed his passport back as he acquired immunity from prosecution after being elected last weekend.

Corruption charges against Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa were dropped Thursday by a court, which handed his passport back as he acquired immunity from prosecution after being elected last weekend. Under Sri Lanka's constitution, no court proceedings can be maintained against a serving president. However, action could be taken after he leaves office. The High Court had indicted Rajapaksa in September last year on charges of siphoning off 33 million rupees (around $185,000) in state funds to build a memorial for his parents. The court also released his passport which had been impounded, allowing him to make his first overseas trip as president to India next week at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rajapaksa was being tried before a special court established by the former government to expedite high-profile corruption cases. Rajapaksa, 70, had pleaded not guilty. Six others were also charged along with Rajapaksa and their fate will be decided when the case is taken up for a hearing on January 9, the court said. Official sources said Rajapaksa was also entitled to claim foreign sovereign immunity in respect to two civil cases filed against him in California for allegedly causing the death of a senior newspaper editor and torture. He has denied responsibility for the killing of anti-establishment editor Lasantha Wickrematunge in 2009 and torturing suspects when he headed the defence ministry under brother Mahinda's presidency between 2005 and 2015. Wickrematunge was murdered days before he was due to testify in a defamation case brought by Gotabaya Rajapaksa after his paper accused him of corruption in a deal to buy MiG jets from Ukraine. Rajapaksa was elected president on Saturday and was due later Thursday to swear in his brother Mahinda as prime minister.

Charges dropped against immune new Sri Lanka president

War crime investigations backed by some Western countries and the United Nations will exacerbate the differences between Sri Lanka&#39;s two main ethnic groups instead of uniting them, former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Monday.&nbsp;

As defence secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the brother of former leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, oversaw the defeat of the separatist, predominantly Hindu Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) by the government military in a 26-year war.&nbsp;

Gotabaya Rajaksa, the most influential government officer in the Rajapaksa government, has been accused of committing war crimes in the final weeks of the conflict ended in May 2009.

He has denied all the allegations against him.&nbsp;

A UN&nbsp;panel has said around 40,000 people, mostly ethnic minority Tamils, were killed in the war&#39;s final phase. Families in the former northern war zone still complain of thousands of enforced disappearances during that time.

Gotabaya made his comments four days after the UN&nbsp;Human Rights Council said Sri Lanka must make more progress towards meeting commitments to establishing a credible investigation into alleged war crimes during the country&#39;s civil war.

The United Nations originally asked Sri Lanka to have foreign judges run the war crime probe focussing particularly on the last few days of the conflict. But President Maithripala Sirisena later said he would not agree to having foreign judges.&nbsp;

&quot;How can you talk about investigations and foreign judges at the same time bringing these communities together?&quot; he told a Foreign Correspondents Association of Sri Lanka late on Monday.

&quot;By trying to do these things, you only try to bring people apart. If you think like that, there won&#39;t be reconciliation at all. After a war, what can we do? Going back and harping on these things will never bring communities together. That will widen the gap.&quot;

He also said that when Tamils talk about war crime probes, ethnic majority Sinhalese speak of the massacre of Buddhist priests and police and the horrors they experienced during the war, and that could slow the postwar healing process.&nbsp;

The government has already launched some related investigations into alleged war crimes, but ethnic-minority Tamils have complained about the sluggish pace of probes.

Former leader Mahinda Rajapaksa&#39;s government rejected visas that would have allowed U.N. investigators to visit the island nation.&nbsp;

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 67, also denied allegations that he was involved in maintaining death squads, in attacks on journalists, and in some financial misappropriation during the war.&nbsp;

Under the new government, he is facing police and financial crime investigations.

As defence secretary, he was the highest-ranking civil servant in Sri Lanka&#39;s Defence Ministry.

(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Gotabaya Rajaksa has been accused of committing war crimes in the final weeks of the conflict ended in May 2009

War crime investigations backed by some Western countries and the United Nations will exacerbate the differences between Sri Lanka's two main ethnic groups instead of uniting them, former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Monday. As defence secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the brother of former leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, oversaw the defeat of the separatist, predominantly Hindu Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) by the government military in a 26-year war. Gotabaya Rajaksa, the most influential government officer in the Rajapaksa government, has been accused of committing war crimes in the final weeks of the conflict ended in May 2009. He has denied all the allegations against him. A UN panel has said around 40,000 people, mostly ethnic minority Tamils, were killed in the war's final phase. Families in the former northern war zone still complain of thousands of enforced disappearances during that time. Gotabaya made his comments four days after the UN Human Rights Council said Sri Lanka must make more progress towards meeting commitments to establishing a credible investigation into alleged war crimes during the country's civil war. The United Nations originally asked Sri Lanka to have foreign judges run the war crime probe focussing particularly on the last few days of the conflict. But President Maithripala Sirisena later said he would not agree to having foreign judges. "How can you talk about investigations and foreign judges at the same time bringing these communities together?" he told a Foreign Correspondents Association of Sri Lanka late on Monday. "By trying to do these things, you only try to bring people apart. If you think like that, there won't be reconciliation at all. After a war, what can we do? Going back and harping on these things will never bring communities together. That will widen the gap." He also said that when Tamils talk about war crime probes, ethnic majority Sinhalese speak of the massacre of Buddhist priests and police and the horrors they experienced during the war, and that could slow the postwar healing process. The government has already launched some related investigations into alleged war crimes, but ethnic-minority Tamils have complained about the sluggish pace of probes. Former leader Mahinda Rajapaksa's government rejected visas that would have allowed U.N. investigators to visit the island nation. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 67, also denied allegations that he was involved in maintaining death squads, in attacks on journalists, and in some financial misappropriation during the war. Under the new government, he is facing police and financial crime investigations. As defence secretary, he was the highest-ranking civil servant in Sri Lanka's Defence Ministry. (Reuters)

War crime probes will hinder Sri Lanka's reconciliation: Former defence secretary